SM Mall of Asia
A major SM Supermall and mixed-use retail, entertainment, dining, and events complex in Pasay, Metro Manila.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
SM Mall of Asia, commonly known as SM MoA or simply Mall of Asia, is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines. It occupies reclaimed land beside Manila Bay near the southern terminus of EDSA and forms the commercial centerpiece of the wider SM Central Business Park. The property is owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings, the Philippine property company behind the SM Supermall network. Planning for the project began in the mid-1990s, when SM envisioned a landmark destination that would expand the company’s mall format beyond its established locations. Economic weakness delayed the original timetable and led to changes in the project’s scale. Construction eventually began in 2002. The complex opened on May 21, 2006, after its originally planned inauguration was postponed to allow additional time for tenant preparations. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attended the opening, which attracted approximately one million pedestrian visits according to SM’s announcement at the time. At opening, the mall distinguished itself through its scale and destination-oriented attractions. It included the Philippines’ first IMAX theater, an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, extensive dining and shopping areas, and the large steel-framed globe that became a recognizable visual symbol at the southern entrance. The globe was later converted into an LED installation known as Globamaze. Unlike a conventional enclosed retail center, the complex combines indoor shopping areas with open-air entertainment, Manila Bay-facing event spaces, offices, parking structures, cinemas, and public-oriented amenities. The core complex consists of the Main Mall, the Entertainment Mall, and North and South Wing parking buildings connected by walkways and elevated paths. Its retail offer includes SM department-store and supermarket formats, fashion and lifestyle tenants, restaurants, electronics and information-technology stores, specialty retailers, cinemas, and event venues. The mall also contains a substantial convention and social-functions component. A food hall opened in 2020, replacing the earlier SM Food Court with a broader mix of accessible and more upscale dining choices. Entertainment has remained central to the property’s identity. SM Cinema operates regular theaters, premium Director’s Club screens, an Event Cinema, an IMAX theater, and later-generation formats. The IMAX venue has undergone several modernization projects, including conversion from film projection to digital presentation, interior renovation, and an IMAX with Laser upgrade. The skating rink has also been relocated and rebuilt as part of the mall’s redevelopment, while the former Exploreum science museum and XD Cinema represent earlier attractions that have since closed. Recent improvements have broadened the mall’s use beyond conventional retail. SM Game Park opened in 2023 as a sports and leisure facility with bowling, billiards, basketball, archery, karaoke, arcade activities, and food and beverage service. Rooftop amenities first introduced as the Sky Garden were relaunched in 2025 as MOA Sky, incorporating a FIFA-grade football pitch, a pet park, landscaped and devotional spaces, an amphitheater, plazas, viewing areas, playgrounds, outdoor dining, and solar-power infrastructure. SM Mall of Asia remains an active regional destination rather than merely a local shopping center. Its positioning rests on scale, accessibility, entertainment variety, waterfront setting, and integration with the broader SM mixed-use development. The complex serves everyday retail needs while also functioning as a venue for concerts, sporting events, film launches, exhibitions, corporate gatherings, tourism, and community activities.
History
SM Mall of Asia emerged from SM’s plans in the 1990s to create a landmark shopping center in the developing Bay City area of Pasay. Initial plans contemplated a very large project and targeted an earlier construction start, but economic conditions in the Philippines caused delays and a reduction in scope. Construction ultimately began in 2002 under SM Prime Holdings. The mall was originally expected to inaugurate in March 2006. That date was postponed after reports of concerns about structural movement and because additional time was needed for tenant stores to complete preparations. The mall opened on May 21, 2006, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attending the ceremony. SM reported about one million pedestrian visits on opening day. Its launch facilities included the country’s first IMAX theater, an ice-skating rink, extensive retail and dining areas, and the steel-framed globe at the EDSA entrance. The complex was designed as four principal structures: the Main Mall, the Entertainment Mall, and North and South parking buildings. Elevated walkways and internal circulation connect the components. The Entertainment Mall’s open-air character and Music Hall facing Manila Bay gave the property an event and leisure identity, while the parking buildings provided large-scale vehicle access and housed major retail functions. The surrounding SM Central Business Park expanded the site into a mixed-use district with offices and other commercial uses. The property has been repeatedly redeveloped. Its skating rink moved temporarily during construction and reopened in 2017 on the third level as an Olympic-sized facility. Cinema operations expanded with new digital theaters, an Event Cinema, renovated regular auditoriums, and three Director’s Club theaters. The IMAX theater transitioned from traditional 70 mm film projection to digital presentation in 2013, received interior and seating renovations, and later reopened after further upgrades. In 2024 it was converted to IMAX with Laser. Several attractions have been retired or repurposed. The Exploreum science and technology museum, originally opened as the SM Science Discovery Center in 2007 and later renamed after a rebranding, closed in 2017 during mall expansion. The XD Cinema closed during renovation of the IMAX lobby, while Centerstage ceased regular operation in 2020 and was later associated with the space used for a ScreenX theater. Retail and food services have also evolved. The mall added a Cyberzone information-technology cluster after office occupants moved elsewhere in the complex. The MoA Food Hall opened in February 2020. In September 2023, rooftop space was introduced as the Sky Garden. It was relaunched in February 2025 as MOA Sky, adding a football pitch, pet facilities, landscaped spaces, a devotional sanctuary, an amphitheater, outdoor dining, viewing decks, and solar photovoltaic features. Today, SM Mall of Asia operates as a multi-purpose destination within SM Prime’s Philippine mall portfolio. Its identity is built around broad retail coverage, large entertainment facilities, event programming, transport and parking access, and its location along Manila Bay. It accommodates daily shopping as well as concerts, sporting events, film screenings, conventions, social functions, tourism, and leisure activities.
- 2025
MOA Sky relaunches
[1]The rooftop complex is relaunched with sports, pet, devotional, performance, dining, and public-space amenities.
- 2024
Disney Store opens
[1]The first Disney Store in Southeast Asia opens at the North Main Mall.
- 2024
IMAX with Laser upgrade
[1]The IMAX theater reopens after installation of IMAX with Laser technology and a 12-channel sound system.
- 2023
Sky Garden opens
[1]Rooftop amenities begin operating under the Sky Garden name.
- 2020
MoA Food Hall opens
[1]A new food hall replaces the former SM Food Court and introduces a wider range of dining concepts.
- 2017
New skating rink opens
[1]The relocated and rebuilt skating rink opens on the third level of the Main Mall.
- 2013
IMAX converts to digital
[1]The original IMAX theater closes temporarily for conversion from traditional film projection to digital presentation.
- 2009
Entrance globe becomes Globamaze
[1]The landmark steel globe is converted into a large LED display installation.
- 2007
Science center opens
[1]The SM Science Discovery Center opens in the Entertainment Mall with interactive exhibits and a digital planetarium.
- 2006
Mall opens
[1]SM Mall of Asia opens on May 21 with major retail, entertainment, IMAX, and skating facilities.
Products and positioning
A destination-scale SM Supermall combining mass-market retail with cinemas, sports, dining, events, offices, and waterfront-oriented leisure facilities.
Shopping mall · 2006
SM Mall of Asia retail complex
The principal offering is a large integrated shopping center comprising the Main Mall, Entertainment Mall, North and South parking buildings, and connected commercial areas. It combines SM department-store and supermarket formats with fashion, lifestyle, electronics, dining, services, offices, and event facilities. Its design supports both routine shopping and destination visits, with concierge services, large parking capacity, elevated connections, and waterfront-oriented public and entertainment areas.
Cinema and entertainment · 2006
SM Cinema and IMAX
The cinema complex includes regular auditoriums, premium Director’s Club screens, an Event Cinema, a ScreenX theater, and an IMAX auditorium. The IMAX venue has undergone successive changes from 70 mm film to digital projection, interior and seating renovations, and an IMAX with Laser upgrade. The cinema operation supports commercial film releases, special screenings, premieres, private events, and other programmed presentations.
Sports and recreation · 2006
SM Skating Rink
The rink is an Olympic-sized ice-skating facility on the third level of the Main Mall. It provides public skating, training, competitions, and event use, with spectator seating and supporting facilities. The current rink opened in 2017 after the original facility was temporarily relocated during redevelopment. It has hosted international and regional sporting events, including ice hockey during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Dining · 2020
MOA Food Hall
Opened in February 2020, the MoA Food Hall occupies the third level across from the skating rink. It replaced the former SM Food Court and offers a broader combination of budget-friendly, casual, and more upscale food choices within a shared dining environment.
Sports and leisure · 2023
SM Game Park
The flagship SM Game Park occupies approximately 1,947 square meters in the South Entertainment Mall. It replaced the former SM Bowling Center concept and combines bowling, billiards, basketball, archery, karaoke, arcade and game-room activities, and a sports bar. The facility is designed for family recreation, group outings, parties, and sports-oriented leisure.
Rooftop leisure and events · 2025
MOA Sky
MOA Sky is the rooftop leisure and events area above the Main and Entertainment Malls. Relaunched in 2025, it includes a FIFA-grade artificial football pitch, MOA Paw Park for dogs, a landscaped MOA Sanctuary, an open-air amphitheater, plazas, viewing decks, playgrounds, outdoor dining, and solar photovoltaic infrastructure.
Science museum · 2007
The Exploreum
The Exploreum was a science and technology museum that developed from the SM Science Discovery Center. It featured interactive galleries, a digital planetarium, and educational exhibits covering science, nature, technology, space, and the human experience. It closed in 2017 during mall expansion.
4D cinema · 2014
XD Cinema
XD Cinema was an immersive 4D theater with motion seats and effects including wind, water, snow, scent, fog, lighting, vibration, and leg ticklers. It operated near the IMAX lobby and closed permanently in 2017 during renovation works.
Brand decisions
2025
Relaunch of rooftop facilities as MOA SkyStrategyBackground
SM sought to expand the complex’s leisure and public-space offer beyond enclosed retail and entertainment facilities.
Action taken
The former Sky Garden was relaunched as MOA Sky with a football pitch, pet park, sanctuary, amphitheater, plazas, and related amenities.
Aftermath
The rooftop became a broader sports, events, recreation, and community-oriented destination within the mall complex.
2024
IMAX with Laser modernizationGeneration changeBackground
The IMAX auditorium required a new presentation platform as premium cinema technology advanced.
Action taken
The theater closed in September for an IMAX with Laser upgrade and reopened in November with a 12-channel sound system.
Aftermath
The venue continued as a premium large-format cinema with updated image and sound capabilities.
2020
Launch of MoA Food HallProduct launchBackground
SM replaced the former food-court format as part of the mall’s continuing dining redevelopment.
Action taken
A new food hall opened on the third level with dining options ranging from accessible meals to more upscale choices.
Aftermath
Dining became more diversified and the previous SM Food Court ceased to operate in its former location.
2017
Redevelopment of skating and cinema areasStrategyBackground
Mall expansion and renovation required the temporary relocation of the skating rink and the closure or reconstruction of several cinema areas.
Action taken
The rink was moved during construction and reopened on the third level, while cinema spaces were expanded and modernized in stages.
Aftermath
The complex gained a newer skating facility, additional digital screens, premium theaters, and renovated customer areas.
2013
Conversion of IMAX projection to digitalGeneration changeBackground
The original IMAX auditorium used traditional 15/70 mm film projection and was temporarily closed as cinema presentation technology changed.
Action taken
SM Mall of Asia converted the theater to digital IMAX presentation and reopened it in October 2013.
Aftermath
The venue continued operating with digital presentation and later received further seating, interior, and laser-projection upgrades.
Recent events
- 2025
MOA Sky is relaunched with new rooftop amenities[1]
Product launch · Other
The former Sky Garden was re-inaugurated as MOA Sky with a football pitch, pet park, sanctuary, amphitheater, plazas, and other rooftop facilities.
- 2024
Mall of Asia IMAX receives an IMAX with Laser upgrade[1]
Product generation
The IMAX theater closed for a technology upgrade and reopened with IMAX with Laser presentation and a 12-channel sound system.
- 2023
SM Game Park opens at Mall of Asia[1]
Product launch
The flagship SM Game Park replaced the former bowling-center concept with a broader sports and entertainment facility.
- 2020
SM Mall of Asia launches a new food hall[1]
Product launch
A new food hall opened on the third level of the Main Mall, replacing the earlier SM Food Court and expanding the dining offer.
- 2006
SM Mall of Asia opens to the public[1]
Other
The mall opened in Pasay after construction and tenant-readiness delays, introducing a large-scale retail and entertainment destination with an IMAX theater and ice rink.
Sources2 sources
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